I'm learning Oracle coming from a MSSQL background. I may be wrong, but I'm comparing the AUTOEXTEND option with MSSQL Auto Grow option. I set the Auto Grow setting a bit large just to minimize on physical disk fragmentation. Generally, a small auto grow setting can create disk fragmentation as it grows. Obviously there are ways to cut down on this, but that's another issue.

With AUTOEXTEND, is it generally better to use a large fixed amount, or a smaller fixed amount. I'm surprised by the small numbers used in training material so I'm questioning my understanding of this.

I appreciate a little clarification!!

burleson

Jul 28 2008, 02:33 AM

Hi JuanBob,

>> With AUTOEXTEND, is it generally better to use a large fixed amount, or a smaller fixed amount.

Extending in Oracle is done at the datafile level wiht the "autoextend on" clause.

It does not take much system resources to extend a datafile, but you want to choose an appropriate NEXT size to ensure thatit does not happen too frequently.

Without autoextend turned--on, you risk your database "locking up", when a new extent is required.